Nothing Can Stop Me Now

Posted: 24 March 2016

I cannot believe it’s OMTOM week
already!

When I started this journey, 26
March seemed to be a LONG way off. It has been an absolute whirlwind. Running a
half marathon was never on my bucket list, but I am sure glad that when Kathy Mc
Quaide came knocking and asked if I would do it, I responded positively. I may
not be eradicating world hunger, but I am making a difference in my own way,
one day at a time.

This journey has been punctuated
with sweat, laughter, tears, camaraderie and hard work. When I look back, I
chuckle at the fact that in August 2015 I couldn’t run for more than a minute
without tasting the infamous blood in my mouth! The 12 week OptiFit 10km
programme as well as the 8 week 21.1km programmes, are in themselves life
lessons. All one has to do is to put in the time and effort, whilst trusting
the process and you will undoubtedly come through the other side as a changed
person.

As a person who comes from a very
supportive family, married to an equally supportive man and having amazing
friends, it became easy for me to take all this support for granted. And this crept
into taking myself and achievements for granted. When you have people that
don’t doubt for a second that you can achieve anything you set your mind to - most
goals seem easily in reach. It is at times like these, that you have to shake
yourself and aim for something out of your comfort zone. This is the reason I
took up running, I took up this challenge because it is something that doesn’t come
naturally to me.

My journey has been marred with
injury and disappointment. I was diagnosed with cuboid syndrome, which meant I
couldn’t put any pressure on my foot for the last 3 weeks of my training. Up
until 2 days ago I wasn’t sure I would be able to run.

As I write this, I am sure I will
be at the start and I am praying that I am able to finish the race – I have no
way of knowing whether my injury will flare up again during the race. All I am
praying for is to finish my race… The race I have prepared for. As I said when
I started this journey – I am a runner, not because I run fast BUT because I
run. #OMTOM2016

I am so grateful to my OptiFit coaches
who worked miracles; and to OMTOM, for giving me this opportunity. A big thank
you goes to my family and friends. To my running mates, the teamsters, on my
OptiFit programme, you have made this
journey what it is. Thank you for the support, laughter and great friendships.
A special shout out to Jenni, one of my teamsters who is injured and cannot run
on Saturday; I will be thinking about you as I struggle up Southern Cross Drive.
Lastly, to my husband, who still cannot believe his eyes when I wake up at
5:30am to go for a run. Yes Duncan - I
am running… This is really happening – thank you for pushing me.